The camp of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has intensified efforts to push his presidential ambition for the 2027 election.
This comes barely a day after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar met with ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Both Atiku and Mohammed are strong contenders for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
Although Atiku has been the party’s candidate multiple times, Governor Mohammed, who currently serves as the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, is believed to be preparing for a serious bid.
Following the meeting, Atiku had said that his visit to Obasanjo was not related to the 2027 election. However, insiders stated that the visit, which had a high-powered delegation of former Cross Rivers State governor Liyel Imoke, Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, and former Governor of Sokoto State Aminu Tambuwal, couldn’t just have been a mere courtesy visit.
The visit is believed to be part of efforts to strengthen a broad-based opposition coalition to challenge the ruling party. Sources suggest that Atiku sought Obasanjo’s blessing as he continues to build alliances for the next election cycle.
Since his loss at the 2023 presidential election, Atiku has been working towards forming a united opposition. He has been in talks with key political figures, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Minister Chibuike Amaechi, and others. The goal is to build a strong coalition capable of challenging the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Meanwhile, Governor Bala Mohammed’s presidential ambition is no agenda hidden from the public.
The Northern governor had previously hinted at the possibility of running but stated that he would not contest if former President Goodluck Jonathan, under whom he served as a minister, decides to return to the race. With no indication that Jonathan will run, Governor Mohammed’s camp appears to be mobilizing support for his candidacy.
Shortly after Atiku’s visit to Obasanjo, Muhammad Maiwada Bello, Bauchi State Commissioner for Natural Resources Development, promoted the ambition by praising the governor’s leadership style. Bello described Mohammed as a leader with a clear vision for youth empowerment and governance, arguing that his administration has outperformed previous ones in both Bauchi State and nationwide when it comes to giving young people opportunities in government.
In an interview with journalists in Bauchi on Tuesday, Bello stated that Governor Mohammed has set a national record by appointing more youths to key government positions than any other governor in Nigeria.
According to him, this approach to governance demonstrates that Mohammed is the right leader to take Nigeria forward, as he prioritizes inclusiveness and innovation.
Bello called on Nigerian youths to support Governor Mohammed ahead of the coming 2027 election.
“For years, youths have clamoured for leaders who prioritise their interests and create opportunities for them to thrive. Governor Bala Mohammed has proven himself as such a leader. It is now time for the youth to rally behind him and support his vision at the national level,” Bello urged.
The PDP has yet to decide whether it will zone the presidential ticket or throw it open like in 2023. Notedly, both Atiku and Bala Mohammed are from the North Eastern art of the country.
